Lightning strike down Cardinals in boys hockey semifinals

Northern Lakes advances to Section 6-1A final with 6-0 win over Willmar

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The No. 2-seeded Northern Lakes Lightning defeated the No. 6-seeded Willmar Cardinals 6-0 in the Section 6-1A boys hockey semifinals on Saturday. Northern Lakes' Sam Suja recorded 15 saves for the shutout, the team's fourth straight. Waylon Katterhagen and Parker Fulton each scored two goals for the Lightning, while Landon Cartie and Huck Balmer also found the back of the net.

Why it matters

The win advances Northern Lakes to the Section 6-1A final, where they will face the top-seeded and No. 3-ranked Sartell Sabres. This matchup features two of the top teams in the section, setting up an exciting championship game.

The details

In the semifinal game, Northern Lakes jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period with goals from Katterhagen, Balmer, and Cartie. Fulton then scored twice in the second period, and Katterhagen added another in the third to seal the 6-0 victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • Northern Lakes will face Sartell in the Section 6-1A final on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The players

Sam Suja

The goaltender for the Northern Lakes Lightning who recorded 15 saves for the shutout.

Waylon Katterhagen

A forward for the Northern Lakes Lightning who scored two goals in the semifinal win.

Parker Fulton

A forward for the Northern Lakes Lightning who also scored two goals in the game.

Landon Cartie

A forward for the Northern Lakes Lightning who scored a goal and added two assists.

Huck Balmer

A forward for the Northern Lakes Lightning who scored a goal in the win.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Northern Lakes will face the top-seeded and No. 3-ranked Sartell Sabres in the Section 6-1A final on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 7 p.m. at the St. Cloud Municipal Athletic Complex.

The takeaway

The Northern Lakes Lightning have continued their strong postseason run, shutting out their opponent for the fourth straight game. They now have the opportunity to advance to the state tournament by defeating the highly-ranked Sartell Sabres in the section final, setting up an exciting championship matchup between two of the top teams in the section.